Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar returned to practice Sunday, his first on-ice action with the team since Dec. 20.<\/p>\n
\u201cFeels good to be back with the guys and skating and had a lot of fun out there today,\u201d Nazar said. \u201cThey\u2019re playing really well to start the year, so just itching to get back and do what I can to help the team win.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nazar exited in the first period of a 7-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators after being hit in the face by a deflected puck<\/a>. He skated off the ice in more frustration than visible pain and didn\u2019t return.<\/p>\n The 2022 first-round draft pick (No. 13) signed a seven-year, $46.13 million contract extension with the Hawks last offseason, cementing him as a cornerstone of the young Hawks core led by Connor Bedard.<\/p>\n Nazar has played in 33 games this season, putting up 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) and 66 shots on goal. He scored the first goal of the NHL season Oct. 7 in a 3-2 loss to the Florida Panthers.<\/p>\n Hawks coach Jeff Blashill said Nazar won\u2019t play Monday against the Winnipeg Jets \u2014 Jonathan Toews\u2019 return to the United Center<\/a> \u2014 but he will be monitored throughout the week. The positive update indicates Nazar\u2019s return may be coming sooner than later.<\/p>\n \u201cAs far as I know he won\u2019t play tomorrow unless something drastic changes it, but I don\u2019t think he will,\u201d Blashill said. \u201cThat would allow him another full practice, at least, and see where we go from there.\u201d<\/p>\n